Final lap of honour at Crossmaglen for Caolan Finnegan

Before his funeral mass, Caolan's coffin was carried around the Crossmaglen pitch

Caolan Finnegan's coffin was carried around the Crossmaglen Rangers pitch.

Crossmaglen Rangers footballer Caolan Finnegan was laid to rest at an emotional funeral service at St Patrick’s Church, Crossmaglen on Monday, but not before making a final journey around his beloved Oliver Plunkett Park pitch.

Caolan died aged 20 last Friday having been diagnosed last year with an aggressive form of brain cancer.

The talented footballer had represented Armagh at underage level, with senior manager Kieran McGeeney remarking recently that Caolan would likely have joined his setup this season but for his illness.

He had played for Crossmaglen as recently as last summer and scored a goal in the 2022 Ulster Championship final win over Granemore.

Before the requiem mass, Caolan's coffin was carried by friends and teammates around the Crossmaglen pitch, including by McGeeney and Armagh coach Ciaran McKeever.

🏐 Caolan Finnegan is laid to rest earlier in Crossmaglen after he lost his battle against an aggressive form of brain cancer

⚫️🟡 The talented Gaelic footballer for @crossrangers made his final journey to the club’s Oliver Plunkett Park

🎤 Our reporter @Gareth_McCull was… pic.twitter.com/j5VcUGrvaU

— Cool FM News (@newsoncool) August 26, 2024

In keeping with the request of Caolan's family, many mourners at the mass were dressed in GAA jerseys. And a photo was displayed on the altar of Caolan wearing his GAA jersey. 

Following Armagh's victory in July's All-Ireland final, clubmate Oisin O'Neill wore a 'Care for Caolan' t-shirt to the post-match press conference to raise awareness of the fundraising campaign for Caolan's treatment.  

The campaign exceeded a target of £310,000 to help with costs of treatment in Germany.

At the mass, Parish Priest Father Dermot Maloney recalled the lift Armagh's win gave the youngster even as his health declined. “The Sam Maguire paid a visit to Caolan’s house on two occasions since the All-Ireland which gave him a great lift at a very difficult time.

Caolan Finnegan of Crossmaglen Rangers before the Armagh County Senior Club Football Championship Final match between Crossmaglen Rangers and Granemore at Athletic Grounds in Armagh. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

“Before we go our separate ways, let us take leave of Caolan. May our farewell express our affection for him. May it ease our sadness and strengthen our hope. One day we shall joyfully greet him again when the love of Christ, which conquers all things, destroys even death itself.”

His club posted a final message to their beloved star, affectionately known as 'Stringer'.

"Stringer, when you were are on the field, you left everyone spellbound. Off the field, your gentle and unassuming manner endeared everyone you met. Your beautiful smile engraved in our hearts forever. ‘It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later’ Rest Easy Stringer."